Katharine Lucile (Dawson) Merrifield, 88, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on May, 1, 2013 at Manor Care in Lancaster.

Born in Heathsville, VA, and moving to Baltimore after graduation, she was the daughter of the late Colie and Cassandra (Vanlandingham) Dawson.

She worked for the Glenn L. Martin Company where she met the love of her life, Walter "Sparky" Merrifield, to whom she was married 65 years before his passing 4 months ago.

In 1990, they moved to Lancaster, and became members of Hempfield United Methodist Church.

Lucile is survived by two daughters:  Janis Bleecher and Kathy Miller, both of Lancaster; grandchildren:  Kristopher and Jason Bleecher and Stacey, Debbie, and Eric Miller; three step-granddaughters:  Susan, Tonia, and Jill; and four great-grandchildren:  Kayla, Eliza, Justina, and Dylan.  She had one remaining sibling, Barbara Jean Swift and two sisters-in-law, Isabel and Winifred Dawson, all in Virginia.

Lucile's unconditional love and caring will be a legacy to everyone who knew her.

All services will be private.

Please omit flowers.  Memorial contributions in Lucile's memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Dr., Box 4125, Lancaster, PA  17604.

The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to all the staff at Manor Care and Hospice for their wonderful care, compassion, and love for Lucile.  To place a condolence online, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661